Electrolytic reaction system for generating gaseous hydrogen and oxygen

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an electrolytic reaction system ( 1 ) for generating gaseous hydrogen and oxygen, comprising a reaction chamber ( 2 ) for accommodating an electrolyte and an electrode arrangement ( 3 ) comprising a plurality of anodic and cathodic electrodes ( 5, 6 ). The electrode arrangement ( 3 ) comprises a plurality of plate-shaped electrodes ( 5, 6 ) fanned out in a star-shaped arrangement, and a virtual fanning axis ( 7 ) of the star-shaped electrode arrangement ( 3 ) lies at least approximately on a virtual, central cylinder or vertical axis ( 8 ) or is congruent with a virtual, central cylinder or vertical axis ( 8 ) of the reaction chamber ( 2 ). At least one electromagnetic coil ( 13 ) is disposed above and/or underneath the star-shaped electrode arrangement ( 3 ) in the axial direction of the virtual cylinder or vertical axis ( 8 ), the electromagnetic field of which acts on the electrolyte and on the electrode arrangement ( 3 ) when exposed to electrical energy. Based on another embodiment, the electrode arrangement ( 3 ) comprises at least two, preferably more than at least three, tubular electrodes disposed coaxially or approximately coaxially one inside the other. This results in an improved, in particular especially efficient, electrolytic reaction system ( 1 ).

The invention relates to an electrolytic reaction system for generating gaseous hydrogen and oxygen, of the type specified in claim 1 or 2.

The invention specifically relates to a system for generating gaseous hydrogen and oxygen in a highly efficient manner by means of an electrolysis process in a reaction or resonance chamber, the sought and resultant aim being to make optimum use of the electrical energy as a means of splitting water into gaseous hydrogen and oxygen. The invention further relates to the use of these gases, in particular to the use of the energy-carrying hydrogen, for chemical combustion or oxidation. In particular, water is broken down by electrolysis into gaseous hydrogen and oxygen, after which the chemical energy carrier hydrogen is converted into thermal energy or kinetic energy by a combustion process. Water is broken down into said gases with a positive and as efficient as possible energy balance. Furthermore, large quantities of electrolytically generated gaseous hydrogen and oxygen can be produced with this electrolysis process within relatively short periods of time.

The technology proposed by the invention reduces to a minimum the electrical energy used or needed in order to split water into hydrogen and oxygen in order to obtain an as efficient as possible or positive energy balance in producing the chemical energy carrier and in order to make economical and at the same time environmentally friendly use of the gaseous fuel hydrogen and the thermal or kinetic energy obtained from it.

The technology proposed by the invention was devised with the aim of generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, preferably from naturally occurring water or from aqueous, electrolytic solutions, and to do so in a quantity which enables the generated chemical energy carrier hydrogen to be supplied to a consumer without the need for any high-volume or complex temporary storage, in particular to supply a consumer device or a converter device. The corresponding consumer device then converts this chemical energy carrier or fuel into the respective energy form needed by means of a combustion process, in particular into thermal or kinetic energy or alternatively into electrical energy.

The chemical energy carrier obtained by the invention in the form of hydrogen gas, in particular gaseous hydrogen in conjunction with gaseous oxygen, thus enables energy to be used and converted without the emission values which usually occur during the combustion of fossil fuels. When using the system proposed by the invention, only steam or condensed water and other trace elements occur in addition to the respective form of energy desired. The by-products of the thermal combustion of hydrogen gas, in particular when using its energy, are known to be significantly more environmentally friendly than is the case with fossil fuels. The primary waste product from the combustion process of hydrogen is specifically only steam or water, which can be discharged to the environment without any problem. This waste product is therefore cleaner than many other types of water which occur and the electrolytically generated oxygen is purer and more concentrated than the rest of the air in the environment.

The system proposed by the invention and the method features proposed by the invention are the result of numerous series of tests and experiments with the most varied of design structures and operating modes of these structures for producing hydrogen based on the principle of electrolysis, which has been known in terms of its physical principles for more than a century.

In theory, the electrolysis of water is a very simple, known principle, whereby water can be made to split into gaseous hydrogen and oxygen by means of two or several electrodes disposed in an electrolyte or water bath and by applying electrical energy, in particular DC voltage. This process is basically nothing new. However, the known processes are relatively inefficient because they have required significantly more primary energy for splitting purposes than the gases subsequently generated by using the thermal or chemical energy of the generated gases or by a combustion process of the generated gases. Until now, therefore, a somewhat negative or poor energy balance was obtained. On the other hand, it was necessary to apply such a high amount of electrical energy that the resultant advantages were not perceptible or disappeared because electrical energy is generated to a high degree by burning fossil fuels. From an environmental point of view, therefore, the systems known from the prior art did not bring any outstanding advantages. For this reason, the use of hydrogen and its energy potential has never been pursued in practice or has been so in only very limited applications.

Numerous types of apparatus for electrolysis are known from the prior art. However, none of these devices is clearly in a position to be used for a broad range of applications. For example, these known designs are clearly not satisfactory as a means of supplying energy to motor vehicles, power generators or heating systems because drive or supply systems based on electrolytically obtained hydrogen or a hydrogen-oxygen mixture have generally not been available at all or are still only at the testing stage.

The technology proposed by the invention now makes it possible, with a special structure and with special features, to supply gaseous hydrogen and oxygen in the respective quantity required from water or from water-based solutions, i.e. without having to address the problems of technically complex or high-volume storage and with a quick reaction. In particular, when generating the chemical energy carrier, in particular during the process of electrolytically obtaining hydrogen gas, a positive energy balance is obtained whilst assuring that chemical energy can be generated with a minimal input of primary energy. The thermal or heat energy which can ultimately be generated from emission-free combustion of hydrogen and oxygen can therefore be used in a very versatile manner. Almost all appliances in the home or in industry, such as ovens, grills, heaters, air-conditioning systems and also power generators, can be operated with this chemical energy and thus offer a conversion into electrical, kinetic and/or thermal energy or a conversion into other forms of energy. Hydrogen and oxygen can also be used to operate virtually all conventional internal combustion engines.

Electrolysis technology, in particular the electrolytic reaction system proposed by the invention, offers the chance to use chemical energy or thermal or heat energy from hydrogen and oxygen without causing major damage to the environment such as occurs in the case of the standard combustion of fossil fuels used these days.

The corresponding technology is safer than the systems known to date for operating motors, generating power, and for heating and similar purposes. In order to operate, these systems respectively need fuels which are contained in tanks or a system of pipework. An incomparably high quantity of combustion energy is stored and held ready in these components. In the case of a breakdown, which is increasingly common in practical applications, this often causes serious problems. In particular, supplying the fuel directly sometimes leads to unexpected consequences. It is usually relatively difficult to deal with such breakdowns or relatively technically complex solutions are needed.

In the case of the system proposed by the invention, only a relatively low, in particular a significantly smaller, quantity of combustible gas is supplied in the system. The single supply is held in tanks or in pipes in the form of relatively uncritical aqueous solutions or in the form of pure water, which poses no chemical or environmental problems and which is naturally not combustible. Furthermore, effective safety systems may be used in conjunction with the generation process, in particular the reaction or resonance chamber, in a simple manner, and are reliable and cost-effective. The electrolysis system proposed by the invention, which is particularly efficient and fast in terms of reaction, means that only relatively small quantities of gas have to be supplied. In particular, a storage or buffer volume comprising the reaction chamber and the system of incoming pipework is all that is needed in most cases. As a result, this electrolysis system and the specified device for converting energy are easy to control and the system proposed by the invention can be very reliably staged.

The underlying objective of this invention is to propose an improved electrolytic reaction system. In particular, the aim is to obtain an electrolytic system for breaking down water or aqueous solutions into gaseous hydrogen and oxygen, which offers the highest possible efficiency and as high a degree of effectiveness as possible in terms of the quantity of electrical energy which has to be input and the quantity of generated or converted chemical or thermal or kinetic energy.

This objective is achieved by the invention on the basis of an electrolytic reaction system using the features defined in claim 1 and, independently of this, by an electrolytic reaction system based on the features defined in claim 2.

A surprising advantage obtained as a result of the features defined in claim 1 or 2 resides in the fact that such an electrolytic reaction system offers an improved, in particular positive, energy balance so that by inputting a relatively small quantity of primary energy, in particular electrical energy, a relatively high quantity of energy can be obtained in the form of the chemical energy carrier hydrogen or in the form of a gaseous hydrogen-oxygen mixture. This is primarily achieved due to the structural combination and the technical interaction between the respective electrode arrangement and the at least one electromagnetic coil disposed preferably above and/or underneath the electrode arrangement. Due to the oscillations superimposed on one another and due to the combined effects of the electric fields and magnetic fields of the at least one electromagnetic coil and electrode arrangement, optimum conditions are obtained for generating hydrogen and oxygen or an appropriate mixture based on a positive energy balance. A surprising, unforeseeable effect resides in the fact that vibration or resonant or quasi resonant effects and interactions occur, which have a very positive effect on the degree of efficiency of the conversion or splitting process.

One surprising, advantageous interaction amongst others is that gas bubbles occurring during the electrolysis process, in particular the respective hydrogen and oxygen bubbles, are more efficiently detached from the electrode surfaces and accelerated. In addition, shorter release times of the respective gases from the electrolyte are obtained. What this means is that the electrodes and their effective surfaces that are available are available for the conversion process to the maximum degree and there is always the most intensive contact with the electrolyte.

In particular, gas boundary layers between the electrodes and the electrolyte are kept as small as possible or broken down as rapidly as possible. Moreover, discharge of the proportion of gas contained in the electrolyte is assisted and accelerated so that the effectiveness and efficiency of the electrolysis process is kept as high as possible. Overall, this results in an improved electrolytic reaction system, which supplies relatively high quantities of electrolytically obtained gaseous hydrogen and oxygen within relatively short process times. In addition, the electrolysis system proposed by the invention can be built to a relatively inexpensive design and thus results in a highly economic system that is practical to use.

The effects and details of actions outlined below as well as those mentioned above should be construed as examples and no claim is made that they are complete. Furthermore, not all of the different effects described need occur. No weight is placed on these effects and details of actions and the explanations of the various interactions should be regarded as the most likely in some cases. To a certain extent, phenomena and interactions occur which cannot or can be barely explained, and the technical reasons for them will not be obvious to the person generally skilled in this field or will be difficult to explain. The corresponding results are partly based on numerous series of tests and on empirical adjustments made to parameters of the electrolytic system.

Also of advantage is another embodiment defined in claim 3, because it results in a body shape and orientation which is particularly effective in terms of flow technology with a view to obtaining defined and specifically directed flows in the electrolyte and in portions of the chamber for the gases as they collect. It is also possible to obtain relatively compact electrolytic reaction systems with a relatively high degree of efficiency.

Another embodiment defined in claim 4 is of advantage because it results in a sort of container-in-container arrangement, which also has a positive effect on the efficiency of the electrolysis process. In particular, this offers a sub-division into a container for the electrolyte and for accommodating the electrodes and a container or chamber arrangement surrounding this container to accommodate said components and for collecting the gases which occur.

An embodiment defined in claim 5 is also of advantage because it offers a degasifying cross section that is as large as possible, which contributes to a degasification time that is as short as possible and a degasification process that is as intensive as possible. Furthermore, a container for the electrolyte is obtained which offers an unobstructed and large overflow for the electrolyte liquid and/or for any electrolyte foam which might occur. Such an electrolyte foam usually forms on the electrolyte liquid, in particular on the surface of the electrolyte bath, and to a certain extent prevents the gas elements in the electrolyte from escaping. Due to a continuous break-up or prevention of a ring of foam on the electrolyte bath, which can be achieved in particular by using a simple discharge line for it, the efficiency of the system can be kept as high as possible.

Also as a result of the claimed features, it is advantageously relatively easy to provide a defined electrolyte circuit. In particular, electrolyte liquid can be continuously or intermittently fed into and discharged from the holding container, and the excess quantity of electrolyte liquid is able to flow out over the top edge of the container again like a waterfall and can optionally be recycled to the holding or electrolyte container after a cleaning and/or cooling and/or treatment process. Accordingly, the electrolyte liquid can be easily recirculated which, amongst other things, results in intensive and rapid degasification. In particular, this results in a reaction or holding container in which the expansion or increase in volume of the electrolyte induced by the electrolytic process can be easily compensated and regulated by means of the overflow edge of the holding container. Alternatively or in combination with this, the surplus quantity of electrolyte liquid which occurs due to a continuous or discontinuous supply of electrolyte to the holding container is able to flow out of the electrolyte container again in a defined manner and in one advantageous embodiment fed back to the holding container again. This also results in a sort of “electrolyte waterfall” over the external and/or over the internal walls of the holding container. This electrolyte discharge or electrolyte outflow can therefore take place on external surfaces of the holding container and/or on central, internal wall portions of the holding container because the holding container for the electrolyte has a body shape based on a hollow cylinder or several hollow cylinders, in particular based on a cascaded design with holding containers disposed coaxially one inside the other.

The features defined in claim 6 also result in a design that is conducive from the point of view of flow technology and improves the efficiency and reaction time of the electrolytic reaction system.

Also of particular advantage are the features defined in claim 7 and/or 8 because a particularly good electrolysis action is achieved and a technical interaction built up is as intensive as possible. In particular, the electromagnetic field of the at least one electromagnetic coil acts on the electrode arrangement and on the electrolyte in a particularly intensive manner, thereby improving progress or efficiency during the electrolytic process. Firstly, for example, the electromagnetic field of the at least one electromagnetic coil has a positive effect on the break-down process. Secondly, the mechanical vibrations which occur in the at least one electromagnetic coil are transmitted as directly as possible to the electrolyte and to the electrode arrangement. This improves and accelerates the process of detaching the gas bubbles from the electrodes and the degasification process from the electrolyte. These effects are accompanied by an improvement to the electrolytic reaction system, in particular an increase in efficiency and performance.

Also of advantage is an embodiment defined in claim 9 because an electromagnetic coil of this type builds up an electromagnetic field which has a positive effect on the electrolytic process, and in particular increases its efficiency. In particular, this results in a relatively intimate and relatively uniform contact of the electrode arrangement with the electromagnetic field of this coil, which creates a pulsating field or generates an alternating field. In this respect, it should be pointed out that the electrode arrangement co-operates with and faces only one end or only one pole of the electromagnetic coil, in particular the south or north pole. By preference, the north pole end of the electromagnetic coil is preferably disposed as close as possible to the top end of the electrode arrangement. Alternatively, however, it would also be conceivable for the south pole of the electromagnetic coil to be positioned or oriented closest to the electrode arrangement.

The design described in claim 10 or 11 represents an advantageous and particularly effective embodiment of the electromagnetic coil. Consequently, the effectiveness and overall performance of the electrolytic reaction system can be favorably influenced.

Also of advantage is the feature defined in claim 12 because a highly efficient separation of the water molecules into the respective gases is obtained, namely hydrogen and oxygen.

Also of particular advantage is an embodiment defined in claim 13 because the electrolytic process is assisted or set up much more efficiently. Due to the pulsating energy supply of the electromagnetic coil, the coil is periodically or a-periodically switched off, as a result of which its magnetic field breaks up at least partially or completely, and a much stronger magnetic field with reversed polarity or orientation is triggered. When the energy supply is switched on again, a substantially stronger field is emitted because the consecutive fields are at least partially summed or cumulated with very pulse until a maximum field intensity is obtained. Due to the effect of reversing the magnetic fields every time the energy supply is switched off, the molecules of the electrolyte are displaced in vibration so that an unstable or virtually unstable molecular status is obtained and the splitting or conversion into the gaseous states, namely into gaseous hydrogen and oxygen, is optimized.

Also of advantage is the embodiment defined in claim 14 because the electrodes of the electrode arrangement are also made to vibrate due to the alternating magnetic fields, which causes the adhered gas bubbles to be detached more rapidly. In addition, an interaction or a reaction occurs between the electric or electrostatic field between the electrodes and the superimposed electromagnetic field of the at least one electromagnetic coil. As a result of this superimposition, a swinging effect is produced at least some of the tine, which in turn assists the splitting process. The electric or electrostatic field between the anodic and cathodic electrodes therefore has superimposed on it an electromagnetic field generated by at least one coil disposed above and/or underneath the electrodes. Based on one advantageous embodiment, the magnetic field, in particular the electrical energy supply of the at least one electromagnetic coil, is dimensioned so as to be relatively low frequency compared with the electric field of the electrode arrangement and compared with the energy supply for the electrode arrangement. Based on a dimensioning which has been found to be expedient, the ratio of the relatively low-frequency energy supply for the electromagnetic coil and the relatively high-frequency energy supply for the electrode arrangement is approximately 1:1000.

Also of particular advantage is an embodiment defined in claim 15 because the detachment or degasification process in the electrolyte liquid is improved and accelerated. In particular, a circulation or a flow can be generated as a result, by means of which the gas bubbles are more effectively detached from the electrode surfaces, in particular relatively thoroughly and rapidly. Furthermore, the degasification process is assisted in terms of the gas bubbles disposed in the electrolyte liquid in a gas chamber disposed above the electrolyte liquid. The electrolyte is filled and/or topped in the bottom portion of the reaction chamber or holding container, and is so periodically, a-periodically and/or on a controlled basis if necessary. The essential aspect is that due to this intake and/or top-up, turbulence or a flow is created in the electrolyte.

The advantageous effects and technical actions described above are also achieved by the features defined in claim 16, independently or in combination. The means used to cause turbulence in the electrolyte and for creating a flow in the electrolyte may therefore be the electrolyte itself and/or gaseous media could be added, for example air or nitrogen. If other, non-combustible gases are added, such as ambient air or nitrogen for example, the combustion value of the electrolytically generated hydrogen gases can advantageously be regulated, in particular reduced. By admixing non-combustible gases directly in the electrolyte in this way, therefore, turbulence or a flow effect is created in the electrolyte bath on the one hand and the combustion value or combustion rate of the electrolytically generated hydrogen gas is reduced on the other hand. As a result, the quantity of energy or explosivity, in particular the combustion rate of the electrolytically generated gases or gas mixture, can be reduced to a level suitable for use in virtually standard internal combustion engines easily and with relatively few problems.

Also of advantage is another embodiment defined in claim 17 because a sort of spray or diffusor effect is produced, which causes a flow distribution in the electrolyte which is as uniform and intimate as possible. In particular, this causes a degasification that is as complete and uniform as possible in terms of the gas bubbles disposed in the electrolyte and in terms of the gas bubbles adhered to the electrode surfaces. Furthermore, this enables the density of foreign gas, in particular the quantity of gases blasted or introduced into the electrolyte for a defined electrolyte volume, to be kept low and homogenized, thereby keeping the electrolysis performance high.

Another embodiment for shortening the degasification times from the liquid and for establishing more intensive contact between the electrolyte and the electrode plates is obtained using the features defined in claim 18.

As a result of the features defined in claim 19, however, the degasifications effect and the degasifications performance of the electrolytic reaction systems is improved. Especially if the electrolyte liquid continuously or intermittently flows over the overflow edge, a sort of electrolyte fall or “waterfall” is obtained, resulting in an intensive and effective degasification feature, as already explained above. A corresponding overflow or discharge of the electrolyte can be achieved by a forced intake or top-up of electrolyte liquid and/or may be caused or induced or determined due to the expansion in the volume of the electrolyte liquid during the electrolysis process.

A structurally simple construction of an overflow edge is obtained on the basis of the features defined in claim 20. This also results in a relatively homogenous and uniform electrolyte overflow so that the most intensive possible degasification or separation is obtained between the electrolyte liquid and the gases or gas bubbles contained in the electrolyte liquid. Amongst other things, this is made possible by the spread of the electrolyte liquid over a relatively large surface area.

Also of advantage is an embodiment defined in claim 21 because there is always an intensive degasification and a sufficiently large gas chamber is available, Furthermore, this makes it possible to prevent an over-pressure in the reaction chamber and prevent a defined pressure value from being exceeded. In particular, a specific pressure level is maintained inside the reaction chamber as a result, at which the expansion of the electrolyte liquid caused by electrolysis is at least more or less compensated or offset by discharging a defined amount of electrolysis liquid, In particular, a defined degasification volume is maintained inside the reaction chamber as a result and a defined gas pressure in the gas chamber of the reaction chamber is not exceeded.

Also of advantage is an embodiment defined in claim 22 because quantities of gas contained in the overflowing or discharged electrolyte are kept in the system and are therefore not lost, as it were. Furthermore, a turbulence or flow builds up in the electrolyte container due to the fact that the electrolyte is recycled, as a result of which the outflow or removal of the quantities of gas from the liquid electrolyte is improved and accelerated.

As a result of the features defined in claim 23, hydrogen gas which primarily collects in the top portion of the reaction chamber is easily and reliably sucked out or discharged via the electrolyte outflow. In particular, this prevents the electrolytically obtained hydrogen gas from being fed away via the discharge or intake for the electrolytic liquid and getting into a coolant circuit for the electrolyte. The electrolytically generated hydrogen gas or hydrogen-oxygen mixture is therefore always available to the respective consumer or user of the hydrogen and oxygen gases. This also makes allowance for more stringent safety requirements because any discharge of hydrogen gas into passages and regions other than those specifically provided in the gas outlet region can be effectively prevented or minimized and can be so using simple technical means.

Also of particular advantage are the features defined in claim 24 because a recirculation is obtained in the electrolyte liquid, which accelerates and improves a degasification process. Another major advantage resides in the fact that it enables a simple system to be used to regulate the electrolyte liquid. In particular, this enables a simple system for cooling or limiting the temperature for the electrolyte liquid. The corresponding cooling process is operated by applying a relatively small amount of energy because the usual ambient temperature is sufficient to keep the electrolyte liquid at a temperature level that is conducive to an electrolysis process or in a satisfactory temperature range as a rule. An advantageous temperature range prevails when the electrolyte liquid is kept within a temperature range below 60° C., preferably in a temperature range of between 20° C. and 50° C., in particular between 28° C. and 43° C.

Also of particular advantage are the features defined in claim 25. Firstly, this assures cooling and/or turbulence of the electrolyte liquid and hence an increase in degasification rate and degasification efficiency in terms of the quantities of electrolytically generated gas in the electrolyte liquid. Secondly, however, a simple system of regulating the combustion or energy value of the gas mixture in the electrolytic reaction system is obtained. In particular, by regulating the quantity of ambient air or gaseous nitrogen introduced, its quantity of energy or combustion value, in particular its combustion rate, can be adjusted so that problem-free combustion is made possible in standard consumers, such as in internal combustion engines or heating devices , for example. The gases introduced therefore produce a dual effect or a multiple effect and the cumulative effects have a surprisingly high positive impact.

Also of advantage is a feature defined in claim 26. Again, the performance of the electrolytic reaction system is increased in a surprisingly simple and effective or efficient manner In particular, the quantity of hydrogen gas or gaseous oxygen generated or released can be improved as a result. This is attributable to the accelerated degasification and the more intensive detachment of gas bubbles.

Another advantageous embodiment is defined in claim 27. A multiple use and an advantageous application is obtained as a result. In particular, the negative pressure which is built up by a consumer or its unit, e.g. a vacuum pump or a charging device for the combustion chamber (e.g. a turbocharger), is also used as a means of assisting or accelerating degasification or the detaching of gas in the electrolytic reaction system. The respective negative pressure built up by the respective consumer or its fuel intake can be kept in a specific range regarded as optimum using any regulating systems known from the prior art.

Another advantageous embodiment can be obtained by the features defined in claim 28 and/or 29. In particular, this results in a conducive flow or creates a defined flow direction in the electrolyte extending from the bottom end portions of the electrodes in the direction towards to top end portions.

As a result of the features defined in claim 30, the electrolyte liquid can be accelerated in the portions between the electrodes, especially if the rate of the electrolyte flow underneath the electrode arrangement is relatively low. A Venturi effect is therefore produced and hence an increase in the flow rate between the individual electrodes. This also improves detachment performance, in particular the rate of detachment per unit of time, as well as the intensity of detachment or separation of gas bubbles.

Also of particular advantage are the features defined in claim 31. In particular, such a multiple arrangement of electrodes nested with one another assures increased electrolytic performance for a relatively compact structural volume. Another result is a multi-layered capacitor effect because the electric fields between the individual electrode pairs each have at least slightly different properties, which can be conducive to a highly effective electrolysis process.

Since the tube electrodes lying farther to the inside are at an increasingly large distance from one another, the respective gap volume created between the different electrode pairs is at least partially compensated. In particular, the gap volumes between the outwardly lying electrodes are of the same or approximately the same design compared with the gap volumes between electrode pairs lying centrally or farther inwards. Empirical tests have shown that this enables a high electrolysis performance to be obtained.

The features defined in claim 32 are also of advantage because at least individual electrodes of the electrode arrangement can be forced into a mechanical vibrating movement with a relatively low electrical power and with a relatively low magnetic field strength. In particular, the detachment efficiency or degasification rate is increased in a simple manner and the performance of the electrolytic reaction system as a whole increased,

The features defined in claim 33 are of advantage because even at relatively weak electromagnetic field strengths, a relatively intensive mechanical vibration can be generated at least on individual electrodes of the electrode arrangement. Furthermore, flow and overflow passages are obtained as a result, which further improves degasification of the gas bubbles from the electrolyte liquid.

The features defined in claim 34 are of advantage because zones in which a relatively strong or intensive electromagnetic field can be generated are defined as a result, and zones are also created in which the intensity of this field is lower, relatively speaking. These non-homogeneous field strengths, i.e. increasing and decreasing field strengths, have a positive effect on the effectiveness and overall performance of the electrolytic reaction system.

Due to the features defined in claim 35, a favorable ratio is obtained between the angle of extension of part-windings and the winding gaps disposed in between. In particular, a practical number of part-windings is obtained, distributed around the ring circumference of the electromagnetic coil as a result.

Also of advantage are the features defined in claim 36 because a sufficient field intensity or a magnetic field strong enough to influence and accelerate the electrolytic processes is advantageously generated.

Also of advantage are the features defined in claim 37 because the magnetic field strength or magnetic flux density varies or rises and falls alternately in the circumferential direction of the torus-shaped coil. This has a positive effect in terms of removing the binding forces between the atoms of the electrolyte, in particular a water molecule, thereby improving the electrolytic performance of the specified reaction system.

Finally, the features defined in claim 38 are of advantage because the magnetic field lines are able to act on the electrode arrangement and on the electrolyte in a concentrated manner.

To provide a clearer understanding of the invention, it will be explained in more detail below with reference to the appended drawings.

These are highly simplified, schematic diagrams illustrating the following:

FIG. 1 is an operating diagram of one embodiment of the electrolytic reaction system, illustrating a plurality of technical design and embodiment options;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the electrolytic reaction system;

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an electrode arrangement with plate-shaped electrodes fanned out in a star-shaped arrangement;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of another embodiment of a star-shaped electrode arrangement comprising plate-shaped electrodes based on a wedge or segment shape as viewed in cross section;

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an electromagnetic coil such as used in the electrolytic reaction system;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal section showing another embodiment of an electrolytic reaction system;

FIG. 7 shows the electrolytic reaction system based on FIG. 6, viewed in section along line VII-VII indicated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of another embodiment of an electrode arrangement inside an electrolytic reaction system;

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of an electromagnetic coil such as may be used to advantage in the electrolytic reaction system.

Firstly, it should be pointed out that the same parts described in the different embodiments are denoted by the same reference numbers and the same component names and the disclosures made throughout the description can be transposed in terms of meaning to same parts bearing the same reference numbers or same component names. Furthermore, the positions chosen for the purposes of the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., relate to the drawing specifically being described and can be transposed in terms of meaning to a new position when another position is being described. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments illustrated and described may be construed as independent inventive solutions or solutions proposed by the invention in their own right.

All the figures relating to ranges of values in the description should be construed as meaning that they include any and all part-ranges, in which case, for example, the range of 1 to 10 should be understood as including all part-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 to the upper limit of 10, i.e. all part-ranges starting with a lower limit of 1 or more and ending with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 12 to 8.1 or 5.5 to 10.

FIG. 1 is a schematic operating diagram of an embodiment of the electrolytic reaction system 1 with a view to illustrating its main, technical design. It should explicitly be pointed out that not all the features illustrated in it constitute part of the subject matter of the invention. Individual ones of the design features or process features illustrated in the diagram of FIG. 1 may naturally also be applied to the examples of embodiment that will be described below.

The specified electrolytic reaction system 1 is used to generate gaseous hydrogen and oxygen by applying the electrolysis method. In particular, an electrolyte, in particular water or an aqueous electrolyte, in particular a mixture of water and an additive such as sulfuric acid to increase its conductivity for example, are split by an electrolytic process into gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen or converted into a corresponding gas mixture by means of the electrolytic reaction system 1 during its operation.

In a manner known per se, such an electrolytic reaction system 1 comprises at least one reaction chamber 2 for accommodating or supplying an aqueous or water-based electrolyte, as well as at least one electrode arrangement 3 made up of a plurality of anodic and cathodic electrodes.

The reaction chamber 2 is preferably provided in the form of an essentially hollow cylindrical holding container 4, in which at least one electrode arrangement 3 is disposed. Based on a first embodiment, this electrode arrangement 3 comprises a plurality of plate-shaped electrodes 5, 6 fanned out in a star-shaped arrangement. Mutually adjacent electrode plates 5, 6 thus alternately form a cathode and an anode. The consecutive alternating pole arrangement of the individual electrodes 5, 6 to form consecutive cathodes and anodes in electrolytic systems is known. Instead of the plate-shaped electrodes 5, 6 fanned out in a star shape, it would also be possible to opt for electrodes of the type with a hollow body, in particular prismatic or tubular electrodes based on another embodiment, which will be described below.

In this embodiment with electrode plates 5, 6 fanned out in a star-shaped arrangement or extending in a radiating arrangement, a virtual fanning axis 7 of this electrode arrangement 3 is oriented or positioned essentially on a virtual cylinder or vertical axis 8 and essentially congruently with the cylinder or vertical axis 8 of the holding container 4, as may be seen by comparing FIGS. 2 and 3. The individual plate-shaped electrodes 5, 6 are vertically oriented, i.e. the flat faces of the individual electrode plates 5, 6 are oriented in the manner of walls and are spaced apart from one another by a relatively short distance of 0.5 mm to 15 mm, preferably 1 mm to 5 mm. A thickness of the plate-shaped electrodes 5, 6 is 0.1 mm to 5 mm, preferably approximately 1 mm.

As may best be seen from FIG. 3, the distance 9, 9′ which lies between adjacent electrode plates 5, 6 of the star-shaped or fan-shaped electrode arrangement 3 varies. This varying distance 9, 9′ between directly adjacent electrode plates 5, 6 is a result of the star-shaped or fan-shaped arrangement of the individual, plate-shaped electrodes 5, 6 by reference to a common virtual fanning axis 7 of this electrode arrangement 3. In particular, the individual electrode plates 5, 6 extend from the common virtual fanning axis 7 in the radial direction towards the fanning axis 7. Seen in plan view—as is the case in FIG. 3—the electrodes 5, 6 are therefore oriented in a V-shaped arrangement. Consequently, there is a spread angle 10, in particular a so-called mid-point angle or a dimension a between directly adjacent electrode plates 5, 6 respectively, depending on the number of pairs of electrode plates 5, 6 disposed around the fanning axis 7 in a circle or radiating arrangement, as may clearly be seen from FIG. 3. Due to this star-shaped arrangement of the respective electrode plates 5, 6 and the varying distances 9, 9′ which occur depending on the distance from the fanning axis 7, the effectiveness of the electrolysis process is assisted. In particular, better allowance can be made for the different water qualities or different conductivities of the electrolyte due to the varying distance 9, 9′ and due to the defined spread angle 10 between adjacent electrode plates 5, 6. An especially highly efficient or higher performance electrolysis process can be implemented if different or gradually fluctuating or drifting water qualities prevail or if their conductivity differs. In other words, the specified star-shaped layout is relatively insensitive in terms of varying water qualities or in terms of varying conductivity or with respect to other physical properties which change during the duration or course of the electrolysis process, Furthermore, these features assist or are conducive to degasification of the electrolysis products, in particular hydrogen and oxygen, from the electrode arrangement 1 This results in higher efficiency and a higher electrolysis performance within a defined period of time. Based on one practical embodiment, the distance 9 between adjacent electrodes 5, 6 in an end portion lying closest to the fanning axis 7 is approximately 0.6 mm and the distance 9′ in the end portion remote from the fanning axis 7 is approximately 4 mm.

Seen in plan view, the star-shaped electrode arrangement 3 is preferably circular in terms of its contour. However, a polygonal contour would also be conceivable. Based on one particularly practical embodiment, the star-shaped or fan-shaped electrode arrangement 3 is of a circular design when seen in plan view, as may best be seen from FIG. 3. In particular, a cylindrical or tubular gap 11 may be provided around the fanning axis 7 which may be completely filled with the electrolyte and/or which may at least partially function as a discharge chamber or overflow or discharge passage for surplus or overflowing electrolyte liquid or for electrolyte foam, as will be explained in more detail below. In other words, the individual electrode plates 5, 6 are fanned or disposed consecutively around the fanning axis 7, preferably keeping a defined radial distance 12 and are therefore oriented radially with respect to the fanning axis 7, as best illustrated in FIG. 3. Viewed as a whole, an electrode arrangement 3 based on this design has an essentially hollow cylindrical body, as may be seen by comparing FIGS. 2 and 3. This hollow cylindrical electrode body has a plurality of electrode plates 5, 6 with different poles layered in a lamellar arrangement but spaced at a distance apart, extending in a fence or radiating arrangement around the common cylinder or fanning axis 7. The individual plate-shaped electrodes 5, 6 therefore look like imaginary beams of the star-shaped electrode arrangement 3 radiating out from the fanning axis 7, as it were, when seen in plan view.

The individual electrode plates 5, 6 have a uniform or constant thickness or width by reference to the mutually opposing flat faces of the plate electrodes. Instead of the design based on plate-shaped electrodes 5, 6, it would also be possible to opt for electrodes 5, 6 based on the shape of a circle segment when the electrode arrangement 3 is seen in plan view, in particular circle segment-shaped anodes and cathodes, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 4 by way of example.

These electrodes 5, 6 with the shape of a circle segment when seen in plan view or cross section are also disposed about a common fanning axis 7. The individual circle segment-shaped electrodes 5, 6 are preferably disposed at a radial distance 12 from the fanning axis 7. This also results in a star-shaped or fan-shaped arrangement of the circle segment-shaped or approximately circle segment-shaped electrode plates 5, 6 when seen in cross section—as illustrated in 4. This electrode arrangement 3 therefore also has an essentially hollow cylindrical body shape because a cylindrical or tubular gap 11 is preferably formed around the virtual or imaginary fanning axis 7. Unlike the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, however, a distance 9 between adjacent electrodes 5, 6 is constant or approximately constant in terms of different radial distances from the fanning axis 7, as may be seen from FIG. 4.

Disposed in the axial direction of the virtual cylinder or vertical axis 8, i.e. in the axial direction of the vertical axis of the holding container 4, is at least one electromagnetic coil 13, preferably disposed at least above and/or underneath the electrode arrangement 3, which is based on the star-shaped design. The electromagnetic field generated by this electromagnetic coil 13 when exposed to electrical energy acts on the electrolyte and also on the electrode arrangement 3 in the reaction chamber 2. In other words, the coil 13 is disposed or dimensioned so that the field lines of the electromagnetic field intersect or influence the electrolyte and also the anodic and cathodic electrodes 5, 6 of the electrode arrangement 3.

By preference, the at least one electrode arrangement 3 is completely submersed in the electrolyte, which is preferably provided in the form of water or an aqueous solution. However, the at least one electromagnetic coil 13 is preferably also disposed below a regular or minimum liquid level 14 for the electrolyte. In other words, the electromagnetic coil 13 for generating an electromagnetic field is preferably also disposed at least predominantly, preferably completely, submersed in the electrolyte. This is important in terms of transmitting vibrations or high frequency vibrations to the electrolyte on the one hand and at least indirectly also to the anodic and cathodic electrodes 5, 6 on the other hand so as to detach gas bubbles from the electrodes 5, 6 and assist or accelerate degasification of the hydrogen and oxygen bubbles from the liquid electrolyte. In particular, the electromagnetic field of the at least one coil 13 causes the anodic and cathodic electrodes 5, 6 of the electrode arrangement 3 to be mechanically vibrated in order to assist the process of detaching gas bubbles which occur, in particular the respective oxygen and hydrogen bubbles, from the anodic and cathodic electrodes 5, 6, In addition, the electromagnetic field of the at least one electromagnetic coil 13 causes ionization and enhances or intensifies the electrolytic process.

The anodic and cathodic electrodes 5, 6 are made from a ferromagnetic material, in particular one which can be influenced by magnetic fields, e.g. metals containing iron and/or precious metals, for example so-called Nirosta metal, or from any other stainless steel. Due to the high-frequency, mechanical vibrations of the electromagnetic coil 13, which are of a relatively low amplitude, the process of detaching the gas from the electrodes 5, 6 is enhanced or accelerated. At the same time, the active surface of the electrodes 5, 6 is held as high as possible relative to the electrolyte in order to keep high or maximize the effectiveness or productivity of the electrolytic process or electrode surfaces of the electrodes 5, 6. This accelerates the electrolysis process and improves or maximizes the breaking down process as a function of a defined period. In other words, the electrolytic performance or breakdown performance of the electrolytic reaction system 1 can be improved or enhanced, In particular, the conversion or breaking down work per unit of time is increased by the described features so that even with compact reaction systems 1 with a relatively small volume, an efficient discharge of hydrogen and oxygen gas can be obtained by reference to a corresponding gas mixture. The specified electrolytic reaction system 1 therefore offers intensive reactions or rapid reactions. The at least one electromagnetic coil 13 at least partially submersed in the electrolyte therefore offers a synergy effect because it causes ionization one the one hand and acts as a means of generating vibrations for the electrolyte and for the electrodes 5, 6.

Based on one advantageous alternative or embodiment, another electrode arrangement 3′ comprising a plurality of anodic and cathodic electrodes 5, 6 is disposed above the at least one electromagnetic coil 13. This other electrode arrangement 3′ disposed above the electromagnetic coil 13 is also preferably completely, in particular as completely as possible, submersed in the liquid, in particular the aqueous electrolyte inside the reaction chamber 2.

As schematically illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1, the electromagnetic fields of the electromagnetic coil 13 when exposed to energy act on the electrodes 5, 6 of the electrode arrangement 3, 3′ disposed underneath and/or above causing them to vibrate, and when exposed to energy the electromagnetic coil 13 also acts on the electrolyte due to vibrations or induces vibrations so that gas bubbles are detached from the electrodes 5, 6 and a movement of the gas bubbles in the electrolyte is intensified or enhanced.

Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to dispose the electromagnetic coil 13 underneath the electrode arrangement 3, in particular in the base portion of the reaction chamber 2 or holding container 4 accommodating the electrolyte.

The electrode arrangement 3 is preferably disposed at a vertical distance from the base portion or base plate of the reaction chamber 2. Accordingly, there is a defined electrolyte volume disposed underneath the electrode arrangement 3 or a defined quantity of electrolyte is able to accumulate underneath the electrode arrangement as a result so that a flow passage is created underneath the electrode arrangement 3 close to the base. An electromagnetic coil 13′ positioned towards the cylinder or vertical axis 8 in the axial direction underneath the electrode arrangement 3 is preferably likewise positioned at a distance from the base portion of the reaction chamber 2 to enable a flow to be created in the electrolyte inside the electrode arrangement 3 starting from the base portion and moving upwards in the vertical direction, in particular in the direction towards the gas chamber of the electrolytic reaction system 1.

Based on one advantageous embodiment, which may be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 1 and 5, the at least one electromagnetic coil 13 as seen in plan view is essentially of an annular shape. A central or mid-point 15 of this torus-shaped electromagnetic coil 13 therefore lies on or close to the cylinder or vertical axis 8 of the holding container 4 or on or close to the fanning axis 7 of the electrode arrangement 3. In other words, the essentially disk-shaped mid-plane 16 of the coil 12 is oriented transversely to, in particular at a right angle to, the cylinder or vertical axis 8 or at a right angle the fanning axis 7, as may best be seen from FIG. 1.

A coil body 17 of the coil 13 is based on an annular or torus shape. This coil body 17 is preferably made from a non-magnetizable material, in particular from plastic or such like. In other words, the electromagnetic coil 13 is preferably designed without an iron core, and in particular is provided in the form of an air reactor. This coil body 17 supports at least one coil winding 18 comprising a plurality of turns, in particular hundreds or thousands of turns, wound around the coil body 17. Instead of opting for a design based on a coil body 17, however, it would also be possible for the at least one coil winding 18 to be based on a self-supporting design, i.e. formed without a coil body 17, in which case it is of an intrinsically stable design, as it were.

The individual turns of the coil winding 18 are oriented radially or essentially radially with respect to the annular coil 13, In particular, the individual turns extend in a circle or coil around the bead-type coil body 17, as best illustrated in FIG. 5, Based on a preferred embodiment, four part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ are provided, wound around the circumference of the coil body 17 or coil 13 distributed at a distance from one another. The individual part-windings 19-19′ are connected in series. A winding gap 20, 20′, 20″is preferably left free between the individual part-windings 19-19′″.

Based on one advantageous embodiment, three coil windings are provided, each disposed offset from the coil axis or central or mid-point 15 by 45°, wound one on top of the other. In particular, this results in an at least three-layered coil winding 18, the winding gaps 20, 20′, 20″ of which are disposed one after the other and offset from one another in the circumferential direction of the torus-shaped coil 13.

Based on one advantageous embodiment, the at least one electromagnetic coil 13 is connected to the electrode arrangement 3 so as to disperse load and is supported so that it takes the load away from the electrode arrangement 3. This means that the at least one electromagnetic coil 13 is not mechanically connected directly to the reaction chamber 2 and instead is mechanically connected as directly as possible to the electrode arrangement 3. This makes it possible for the vibrations to be transmitted as intensively as possible to the electrode arrangement 3.

In the case of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the electromagnetic coil 13 is accommodated in a hollow conical or funnel-shaped retaining element, which retaining element is supported on the top face of the electrode arrangement 3. Mechanical vibrations or vibrations of the electromagnetic coil 13 are therefore transmitted to the electrode arrangement 3 and vice versa. In the case of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, the at least one electromagnetic coil 13 is secured and supported by means of a clamp-type support or retaining mechanism on the top face of the electrode arrangement 3 so that it takes load.

The electrodes 5, 6 are expediently retained or mounted so that they are able to oscillate in the electrolyte bath as freely as possible. To this end, it is practical to opt for a one-ended or tongue-type retaining or mounting system. Another conceivable alternative is to retain the electrodes 5, 6 on at most two mutually opposite edge portions or terminal ends of the electrodes 5, 6, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 2.

The individual anodic and cathodic electrodes 5, 6 of the electrode arrangement 3 are supplied with electrical energy in a manner known per se from a first electrical energy source 21. The first energy source 21 is preferably designed to provide the anodic and cathodic electrodes 5, 6 with a pulsating energy supply.

The at least one electromagnetic coil 13 is supplied with electrical energy by another electrical energy source 22. The other electrical energy source 22 is preferably designed to provide the at least one electromagnetic coil 13 with a pulsating energy supply.

The first energy source 21 and the other energy source 22 supply the electrodes 5, 6 respectively the coil 13, preferably with a pulsating DC voltage of varying amplitude level and defined pulse pauses between the individual voltage or energy pulses in each case. The energy sources 21, 22 are preferably provided in the form of electrical energy transformers, in particular transformer circuits or signal generators, of a type long known from the prior art. The respective energy sources 21, 22 are supplied with electrical energy from a public power supply network or preferably from a DC voltage source, in particular from an electrochemical voltage source, e.g. an accumulator. The electrical energy supplier of the energy sources 21, 22 is preferably an accumulator, in particular at least one lead accumulator with a terminal voltage of 12V respectively 24V. In particular, the energy supplier may be the 12V/24V on-board network of an automotive vehicle.

As a result of one advantageous feature, an energy frequency of the first energy source 21 supplying energy to the anodic and cathodic electrodes 5, 6 compared with an energy frequency of the second energy source 22 supplying energy to the at least one electromagnetic coil 13 is selected so that the electrolytic reaction system 1 operates close to or at its resonance frequency, at least some of the time. In particular, the respective energy frequencies of the first energy source 21 and the other energy source 22 are adapted to one another so that the electrolytic system operates in a resonant or quasi resonant state, thereby offering a highly efficient and highly active breakdown of the electrolyte into gaseous hydrogen and oxygen.

As a result, amongst other things, the degree or efficiency with which the respective gas bubbles are detached from the anodic and cathodic electrodes 5, 6 is significantly influenced. In particular, the effect of the electric or electromagnetic fields in the reaction chamber 2 assists and accelerates an electrolytic splitting process on the one hand. On the other hand, a vibration or oscillation is generated due to the electromagnetic coupling of forces and vibrations in the electrolyte and/or in the metallic, in particular ferromagnetic, electrodes 5, 6, which is conducive to detaching gas and hence the breakdown and splitting process.

The pulse frequency of the first energy source 21 supplying the anodic and cathodic electrodes 5, 6 is a multiple higher than the pulse or energy frequency of the second energy source 22 supplying the at least one electromagnetic coil 13. The supply frequency of the first energy source 21 is at least from a hundred times up to approximately ten thousand or a hundred thousand times that of the supply frequency of the second energy source 22, preferably approximately a thousand times, The frequency ratio between the electrical energy supply for the electrode arrangement 3 and the electrical energy supply for the at least one electromagnetic coil 13 is therefore preferably approximately 1000:1. For example, the energy frequency for the coil 13 is approximately 30 Hz and the energy frequency for the anodic and cathodic electrodes 5, 6 is approximately 30 kHz. Naturally, other base or frequency values could be set or generated at the energy sources 21, 22.

A voltage level of the first energy source 21 supplying the anodic and cathodic electrodes 5, 6 may be several 100 V or several 1000 V, in particular up to 50 kV, but preferably less than 10 kV.

The respective voltage or frequency values will primarily depend on the structural arrangement and geometric dimensions of the respective components inside the reaction chamber 2 and can be empirically adjusted or adapted in a manner familiar to the skilled person.

Based on one advantageous embodiment, at least one inlet orifice 23 for filling up and/or continuously or intermittently topping up electrolyte liquid, in particular the electrolyte capacity or holding container 4 for the electrolyte, is disposed in the bottom portion of the reaction chamber 2. Due to the electrolyte which is or can be fed in at the bottom portion, in particular the base portion of the electrolyte bath , the electrolyte becomes turbulent or swirls, which advantageously assists and accelerates detachment of the gas bubbles from the anodic and cathodic electrodes 5, 6.

Alternatively or in combination with this, at least one means 24 for creating turbulence in the electrolyte, in particular for creating a flow in the electrolyte, for example a turbulent flow, may be provided in the reaction chamber 2, in particular in the holding container 4 for the electrolyte. This turbulence-creating means 24 may be any means known from the prior art for creating flows or turbulence in a liquid bath. In one advantageous embodiment, the means 24 for creating turbulence in the electrolyte is provided in the form of intake and/or outlet nozzles 25 for the electrolyte running into the reaction chamber. A plurality of intake and/or outlet nozzles 25 is preferably provided for the electrolyte, which preferably co-operate with the holding container 4 for the electrolyte. Depending on the turbulence or distribution of the respective turbulent forces required, the number of these intake and/or outlet nozzles 25 may be varied considerably to suit the relevant requirements. Also depending on the diameter of these intake and/or outlet nozzles 25, at least two or also hundreds of such intake and/or outlet nozzles 25 may be provided, and they are preferably disposed in the base region of the holding container 4 for the electrolyte. Based on one advantageous embodiment, at least individual ones of the effective axes of a plurality of intake and/or outlet nozzles 25 are inclined with respect to the base portion. In particular, the effective axes of the intake and/or outlet nozzles 25 may be oriented at an angle with respect to the cylinder or vertical axis 8 of the reaction chamber 2 in order to build up an intrinsic turbulence or extensive flow in the electrolyte bath, which is conducive to removing the hydrogen respectively oxygen bubbles from the anodic and cathodic electrodes 5, 6 and from the interior of the electrolyte in the direction towards the top to the degasification zone, in particular a gas chamber 26 of the reaction chamber 2.

Instead of creating pronounced turbulence or flow in the electrolyte by introducing liquid or gas, it would naturally also be possible to provide the means 24 for creating turbulence in the electrolyte in the form of at least one agitator, which is immersed in the electrolyte liquid. Based on one advantageous feature, the means 24 for creating a flow in the electrolyte is designed so that an approximately screw-shaped flow is created around the cylinder or vertical axis 8 of the holding container 4 and reaction chamber 2, in which case the direction in which this screw-shaped flow is propagated extends from the base portion of the electrolyte in the direction towards the surface of the electrolyte bath.

Based on one advantageous embodiment, at least one overflow edge 27 is provided in the reaction chamber 2, which is designed to mark a maximum liquid level 28 of the electrolyte.

Based on one advantageous embodiment, this at least one overflow edge 27 is provided in the form of at least one top boundary edge 29 of a hollow cylindrical or hollow prismatic electrolyte container 30. This electrolyte container 30 preferably has a vertically oriented cylinder axis 31, which is preferably congruent with the cylinder or vertical axis 8 of the reaction chamber 2 or at least approximately congruent with it. The at least one overflow edge 27 may, as an alternative or in addition to the top boundary edge 29 of the electrolyte container 30, be provided in the form of at least one bore or some other orifice in the wall of the electrolyte container 30. However, the top portion of the electrolyte container 30 is preferably as open as possible, in particular across the entire cross-sectional surface, to assist with efficient separation and removal of foam 32 which usually occurs during the electrolysis process, in particular a ring of foam which forms on the electrolyte. Especially if the liquid or electrolyte level lies at the same height as the overflow edge 37, removal of the foam 32 from the electrolyte will be efficient. An initial filling level 33 of the electrolyte preferably lies slightly below the overflow edge 27. During an active electrolytic process, the volume of electrolyte increases significantly, primarily due to the formation of gas bubbles in the electrolyte. This means that during operation of the electrolytic reaction system 1, the electrolyte level in the reaction chamber 2, in particular in the holding or electrolyte container 4, 30, rises. It is for this reason that an initial filling level 33 for the electrolyte preferably lies below the overflow edge 27 of the electrolyte container 30. The overflow edge 27 in any event defines the maximum possible electrolyte level in the electrolyte container 30. When this maximum electrolyte level is reached or exceeded, the electrolyte foam or the ring of foam is efficiently removed.

Based on the embodiment illustrated as an example, the ring of foam or the foam 32 or also the overflowing or surplus electrolyte liquid is discharged from the central region of the electrolyte container 30 in the outward direction, in particular in the radial direction towards the vertical or cylinder axis 8, 31. Based on an alternative or combined embodiment, it is also possible for foam 32 and the electrolyte flowing over the at least one overflow edge 27 to be discharged via a discharge passage 34 disposed in a central region of the electrolyte container 30, as indicated by broken lines. In this central or centrally disposed discharge passage 34, electrolyte foam or electrolyte spilling over the overflow edge 27′ can be directed in the downward direction and preferably gated back into the electrolyte container 30, as will be explained in more detail below.

A collection portion 35 for electrolyte or electrolyte foam which has flowed over the overflow edge 27 is preferably provided in the base portion of the reaction chamber 2. This collection portion 35 extends across a defined vertical height of the reaction chamber 2 and prevents or reduces the electrolytically obtained gases from escaping through an outlet orifice 36, used to feed the electrolyte out of the reaction chamber 2 in a controlled manner. This collection portion 35 may be provided in the form of a defined electrolyte level in the base portion of the reaction chamber 2 or by some other siphon-type gas barrier. The collection portion 35 or corresponding liquid siphon primarily ensures that the reaction chamber 2 is closed in a gas-tight manner as far as possible and that hydrogen and oxygen gas is prevented as far as possible from escaping or being discharged through an outlet orifice 36 for the electrolyte close to the base. The siphon-type collection portion 35 for electrolyte liquid and for separated electrolyte foam flowing over the overflow edge 27 therefore closes the outlet orifice 36 off so that it is relatively gas-tight, whereas the electrolyte liquid can still be discharged from the reaction chamber 2 through the at least one outlet orifice 36. Particular care must be taken to ensure that a defined liquid level exists or is built up within the collection portion 35 in order to produce a sufficiently gas-tight gas barrier.

The liquid level in the collection portion 35 is preferably lower than the regular filling level 33 for the electrolyte inside the electrolyte container 30. As illustrated, the collection portion 35 may be disposed around the electrolyte container 30 or, if the surplus electrolyte is introduced centrally into a centrally disposed discharge passage 34, in the central region of the electrolyte container 30, as indicated by broken lines in the embodiment illustrated. Alternatively, it would naturally also be possible to opt for a combined outer and inner collection system or else a cascaded electrolyte collection system in order to separate and degasify electrolyte foam and electrolyte liquid by means of at least one collection portion 35 for electrolyte liquid.

It is also expedient to provide at least one return line 37 for the electrolyte flowing over the overflow edge 27 of the holding or electrolyte container 4, 30. The electrolyte is fed back into the hollow cylindrical or hollow prismatic electrolyte container 30 or into the reaction chamber 2 by means of this return line 37. Within the at least one line incorporating the return line 37 for the electrolyte, it is also preferable to provide a liquid tank 38, in particular a water container 39, in which a certain quantity of electrolyte, in particular a liquid electrolyte in the form of water, can be held in supply or buffered. Electrolyte liquid is fed from this liquid tank 38 to the electrolytic process inside the reaction chamber 2 continuously or intermittently. The at least one return line 37 extends more or less through or via the liquid tank 38. This means that the return line 37 opens into the liquid tank on the one hand and the return line 37 continues on from the liquid tank 38 again in the direction towards the reaction chamber 2 to provide a means of filling or topping up the electrolytic liquid in the holding or electrolyte container 4, 30. This electrolyte circuit 41 between the reaction chamber 2 and the liquid tank 38 respectively the water container 39 is comparable with the intake and return lines of fuel supply systems used in internal combustion engines from a hydraulic point of view.

At least one filter device 40 for filtering out residues, in particular impurities, in the electrolyte or in the electrolytically treated water may be disposed in the return line 37. In order to create an active or forced water or electrolyte circuit 41, at least one liquid pump 42 may be incorporated in the return line 37 or in the intake line for the electrolyte delivered to the reaction chamber 2. It is of practical advantage if the return line 37 also serves as a cooling device 43 for the electrolyte or comprises a cooling device 43. This cooling device 43 may be the pipe connections of the return line 37 per se and/or may be provided in the form of an additional heat exchanger, in particular an air/liquid exchanger, e.g. cooling fins. This heat exchanger 44 or cooling fins may be provided in the pipe connection and/or on the liquid tank 38 or water container 39. Based on a preferred embodiment, the cooling device 43 is dimensioned and the return line 37 is dimensioned so that the temperature of the electrolyte is kept within a range of between 20° C. and 60° C., in particular in a range of between 28° C. and 50° C., preferably at 35° C. to 43° C. It is primarily within the specified temperature range of the electrolyte that the electrolysis process is optimized and relatively more efficient. In particular, only a relatively small quantity of power in terms of electrical energy is needed in this temperature range. The cooling device 43 may naturally also be provided in the form of other passively and/or actively operating cooling devices selected from the many designs known from the prior art.

Based on one advantageous embodiment, the electrolytic reaction system 1 therefore has a continuous or discontinuous intake 45 and discharge 46 for the electrolyte. In particular, this intake 45 and discharge 46 of the electrolyte provides or creates a time-based gradual replacement or top-up of the electrolyte containing water or comprising water in the reaction chamber 2 or in its electrolyte container 30. In this respect, it is preferable to create a closed electrolyte circuit 41 in which the liquid tank 38 and the at least one liquid pump 42 is incorporated.

Based on one advantageous feature intended to improve the system, at least one passage orifice 47 for ambient air 48 to be introduced into the reaction chamber 2, in particular into the holding container 4 for the electrolyte, is provided, preferably in the base portion and/or in the wall region of the reaction chamber 2. Alternatively or in addition to this, the at least one passage orifice 47 may also be provided as a means of feeding nitrogen or other non-combustible gases into then holding container 4, in particular into the electrolyte container 30. The at least one passage orifice 47 then opens directly into the electrolyte bath, which is disposed in the reaction chamber 2, in particular in the electrolyte container 30, during operation of the reaction system 1. A plurality of passage orifices 47 for ambient air 48 and/or nitrogen is provided in a distributed arrangement, preferably in the base portion and/or wall region of the electrolyte container 30. In particular, ambient air 48 and/or nitrogen is fed or introduced directly into the electrolyte so that a liquid or gas mixture and a flow or turbulence is created in the electrolyte. A regulating means 49 may optionally be provided, in particular a valve arrangement or similar, which is designed to regulate the quantity and/or pressure of the ambient air 48 or nitrogen flowing into the electrolyte. This process of introducing ambient air 48 or nitrogen or other non-combustible gases preferably takes place under pressure. In other words, the ambient air 48 or oxygen is actively blown into the electrolyte. Another option would be to generate a negative pressure in the reaction chamber 2 to enable the appropriate gases or gas mixtures, such as air, to be sucked in. As a result of the passage orifices 47 described above as a means of introducing or blowing ambient air 48 or nitrogen directly into the electrolyte, the process of detaching oxygen and hydrogen bubbles adhered to the electrode arrangement 3 is assisted on the one hand. In addition, introducing this air or nitrogen into the electrolyte can be used as a means of creating turbulence or mixing the electrolyte. This has a positive effect in terms of the electrolytic performance, in particular in terms of the efficiency of the electrolytic reaction system 1.

It is preferable to provide a multiple arrangement of passage orifices 47 by means of which air or nitrogen can be introduced into the holding container 4 for the electrolyte on a selective and distributed basis. Based on one advantageous embodiment, these passage orifices 47 are positioned in the base portion of the reaction chamber 2, in particular underneath der electrode arrangement 3.

Based on one advantageous feature intended to improve the system, the electrolytic reaction system 1 is provided with at least one means 50 for generating negative pressure inside the reaction chamber 2, in particular in its gas chamber 26. This negative pressure should be interpreted by reference to atmospheric ambient pressure. In other words, means 50 generating the negative pressure inside the reaction chamber 2, in particular in the gas chamber 26, create defined negative pressure conditions. Based on a first embodiment, this means 50 may be provided in the form of a vacuum pump. Based on one advantageous embodiment, this means 50 for generating negative pressure may be provided in the form of a consumer for the chemical energy carrier hydrogen, connected to the reaction chamber 2. This consumer, which in the case of one advantageous embodiment is provided in the form of an internal combustion engine 51, in particular a petrol, gas or diesel engine, converts the chemical energy of the hydrogen into kinetic energy by releasing thermal energy. The consumer may naturally also be provided in the form of any heating or generator system for generating power. Based on one advantageous embodiment, negative pressure is built up in the reaction chamber 2 by establishing a flow connection 52 between the reaction chamber 2, in particular its gas chamber 26, and a fuel intake line 53, in particular the intake passage of an internal combustion engine 51 or some other combustion system for converting the chemical energy of the hydrogen-oxygen mixture into thermal or kinetic energy. This also increases degasification performance with respect to the electrolyte and the electrode arrangement 3 and increases the electrolysis performance which can be achieved with the electrolytic reaction system 1.

FIGS. 6, 7 illustrate another embodiment of the electrolytic reaction system 1 for generating gaseous hydrogen and oxygen. This may also be construed as an independent embodiment of the reaction system 1 proposed by the invention in its own right. The same reference numbers and component names are used to denote the same parts as those used in the drawings above. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference may be made to the detailed description of the previous drawings given above. It is explicitly pointed out that not all the features and design features illustrated in these drawings necessarily form part of the reaction system 1 proposed by the invention. Moreover, features may be combined with features of the invention described with reference to the drawings above.

This electrolytic reaction system 1 also comprises a reaction chamber 2 for accommodating an electrolyte, such as water, an aqueous solution or a water mixture together with additives to increase conductivity, for example. Also disposed in the reaction chamber 2 is at least one electrode arrangement 3, comprising a plurality of anodic and cathodic electrodes 5, 6. In the case of this embodiment, the electrode arrangement 3 is provided in the form of at least two, preferably more than at least three, tubular electrodes 5, 6 disposed coaxially or approximately coaxially one inside the other. In the embodiment illustrated as an example, there are five tubular electrodes 5, 6 disposed coaxially, nested one inside the other, in particular inserted one inside the other. In this connection, it should be pointed out that electrodes 5, 6 with circular or annular or elliptical cross sections are preferred. However, instead of tubular electrodes 5, 6 with a hollow cylindrical body shape, it would naturally also be possible to use tubular electrodes 5, 6 with a prismatic body shape, in particular with square, rectangular or any other polygonal cross section. The individual electrodes 5, 6 form preferably alternating or consecutive anodes and cathodes respectively in the electrolytic reaction system 1.

The wall surfaces of the mutually adjacent tubular electrodes 5, 6, which may be cylindrical or made up of several prismatic surfaces oriented at an angle to one another, are spaced at a distance apart from one another. In particular, defined gaps 54 respectively 55 are disposed between the respective cylindrical or wall surfaces, in particular between the internal and external faces of the respective electrodes 5, 6. Based on one advantageous feature, a distance 54 or a gap dimension between the tubular or hollow prismatic, mutually nested electrodes 5, 6 of an outer pair of electrodes 5, 6 increases or become larger in size than an electrode 5, 6 or a pair of electrodes 5, 6 of this tubular electrode arrangement 3 disposed further inwards, in particular closer to a central tube axis 56. In other words, gaps 55 between tubular or hollow prismatic electrodes 5, 6 at the center of the electrode arrangement 3 are preferably of bigger dimensions than the gaps 54 between outer or pairs of electrodes 5, 6 surrounding the inner electrodes 5.

The individual, virtual tube axes 56 of the tubular electrodes 5, 6 are preferably vertically oriented. This being the case, the distal end portions of the tubular electrodes 5, 6 are respectively of an open design. The individual tubular electrodes 5, 6 preferably have a constant cross-sectional surface by reference to their length or height.

The essential aspect is that between the wall or cylinder surfaces of the tubular or hollow prismatic electrodes 5, 6, at least one at least approximately hollow cylindrical or prismatic gap 57, 58 is provided. The fact that there is at least one gap 57, 58 between the various electrodes 5, 6 of the electrode arrangement 3 means that the formation of gas bubbles is made possible and assisted. In particular, gas bubbles which occur and adhere to the anodic and cathodic electrodes 5, 6 during the electrolysis process can be efficiently fed away into a gas chamber 26 lying above the electrolyte. A sort of suction and carrying effect occurs as a result and assists the release of gas bubbles from the electrolyte. This effect is reinforced by the electrolyte volume disposed underneath the electrode arrangement 3 and by a Venturi effect inside the tubular electrode arrangement 3.

In particular, the at least one approximately hollow cylindrical or prismatic gap 57, 58 between adjacent electrodes 5, 6 creates a sort of chimney flue effect for the gas bubbles and thus increases the rate at which they are released as well as the degasification efficiency. This effect is further enhanced by the cascaded or multiple arrangement of electrodes or electrode pairs 5, 6.

At least one electromagnetic coil 13 is disposed at least above the tubular electrode arrangement 3 by reference to the virtual central tube axis 56, as described above. The essential aspect is that when energy is applied to this electromagnetic coil 13, the preferably alternating or pulsating electromagnetic fields which occur or are generated act on the electrolyte and also on the electrode arrangement 3. In particular, the field lines intersect both the electrode arrangement 3 and the electrolyte volume in the electrolytic reaction system 1 with sufficient intensity. Alternatively or in combination with an electromagnetic coil 13 lying above the electrode arrangement 3, at least one electromagnetic coil 13 may also be provided underneath the electrode arrangement 3.

Amongst other things, the at least one electromagnetic coil 13 causes the electrode arrangement 3 to mechanically vibrate or vibrate, which assists and accelerates release of the gas bubbles from the electrolyte. In addition, the electric field of the electromagnetic coil 13 also has a positive effect on the electrolytic conversion and splitting process above all.

Based on one advantageous embodiment, the reaction chamber 2 of the electrolytic reaction system 1 has an essentially hollow cylindrical or hollow prismatic body shape. The virtual cylinder or vertical axis 8, in particular the wall surface of the reaction chamber 2, is vertically or at least approximately vertically oriented, as may be seen in FIG. 6 or FIG. 2 for example.

As may also best be seen from FIGS. 2 and 6, it is of practical advantage if the reaction chamber 2 comprises or has an essentially hollow cylindrical or hollow prismatic holding container 4, in which the at least one star-shaped or tubular electrode arrangement 3 is disposed. Based on the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, the holding container 4 for the electrolyte and for the at least one electrode arrangement 3 is of an open design at the top end portion. In addition, its wall or cylinder surface is spaced at a distance apart from the inner faces of the reaction chamber 2, as may best be seen from FIG. 1. This offers a simple way of providing the separation or collection portion 35 described above. Based on one advantageous feature, the virtual fanning axis 7 of the star-shaped electrode arrangement 3 and the virtual tube axis 56 of the tubular electrode arrangement are essentially congruent with the virtual cylinder axis 8 or congruent with the virtual cylinder axis 8 of the holding container 4 and reaction chamber 2, as may be seen in particular from the diagrams of FIGS. 1 and 6.

FIG. 8 is another schematic diagram illustrating an electrode arrangement 3. In this case, the holding container 4 and reaction chamber 2 are hollow cylindrical, in particular circular in terms of their cross section. Based on an alternative embodiment indicated by broken lines, the reaction chamber 2 or holding container 4 may also have a different hollow prismatic body shape, in particular a cross-sectional shape with corners, although it is of advantage to opt for rounded corners or edges. Provided in the interior of the reaction chamber 2 is a plurality of electrode arrangements 3, 3′. In particular, a bundle of tube electrodes is provided, and the individual electrode pairs 5, 6 are disposed in a distributed arrangement inside the holding container 4 for the electrolyte. In particular, a first electrode arrangement 3 is disposed at the center of the holding container 4 and, disposed in a circle around this central electrode arrangement 3, is a plurality of other electrode arrangements 3′. It would also be possible to use mixed shapes of electrodes. For example, tube electrodes 5, 6 with a circular cross section and tube electrodes 5, 6 with a square cross section could be combined, for example as a means of obtaining a higher packing density inside the holding container 4.

As regards the dimensioning of the tubular or hollow prismatic electrodes 5, 6, it is expedient to ensure that their stiffness values do not exceed a defined upper threshold value as far as possible. In particular, the wall thicknesses 59, 60 of the electrodes 5, 6 should be selected so that the electromagnetic field of the at least one coil 13 induces mechanical vibrations in the electrode arrangement 3 or at least individual electrodes 5, 6. Since the electrodes 5, 6 are made from electrically conducting, in particular ferromagnetic, material, the electromagnetic alternating field or the electromagnetically pulsating field of the at least one coil 13 has the effect of inducing vibrations or oscillations. This is conducive to efficient detachment of gas bubbles and the capacity of the gas bubbles to be released from the electrolyte. In particular, the material elasticity or the wall thickness 59, 60 of the respective electrodes 5, 6 should be selected so that the most intensive vibrations possible are induced by the electromagnetic coil 13.

Based on one advantageous embodiment and with a view to enhancing this detachment process, the at least one plate-shaped electrode 5, 6—FIG. 1—or the at least one tubular or hollow prismatic electrode 5, 6—FIG. 6—may be provided with at least one slot 61, 62 or a plurality of orifices or perforations. In particular, the respective electrodes 5, 6 have at least one mechanical weakening or reduction in stiffness, such as slots 61, 62 or orifices or cut-outs in the material or material recesses, so as to vibrate more mechanically intensively under the influence of the electromagnetic field of the at least one electromagnetic coil 13. These features also enhance the performance and reaction time of the electrolytic reaction system 1 in terms of efficiency in producing hydrogen. An intensive inducement of vibrations or one involving little loss for the electrodes 5, 6 is also obtained by opting for a load-transmitting support, in particular due to an as rigid as possible mechanical connection between the at least one electromagnetic coil 3 and at least one electrode 5, 6 of the electrode arrangement 3. This mechanical connection or retaining device is preferably electrically insulating.

The quantity of hydrogen and oxygen which can be produced by the electrolytic reaction system 1 specified above is sufficient, without having to store the chemical energy carrier hydrogen temporarily, to run an internal combustion engine 51 with a power of 30 to 100 kW, for example, uninterrupted. In particular, the specified electrolytic reaction system 1 is energy efficient and powerful to the degree that the electrolytically obtained quantity of hydrogen is sufficient to supply engines in standard automotive vehicles with a sufficient quantity of power or fuel in the form of a hydrogen-oxygen mixture. In particular, the specified electrochemical conversion system, i.e. the electrolytic reaction system 1, is capable of producing a quantity of a hydrogen-oxygen mixture high enough to generate sufficient kinetic energy when combusted in internal combustion engines 51, in particular in petrol or gas or diesel engines, to drive standard commercial automotive vehicles with the usual or requisite power. The essential aspect of this is that the specified electrolytic reaction system 1 enables standard operation of the respective automotive vehicle without the need for temporarily storing or temporarily buffering large quantities of hydrogen gas. A capacity of the gas chamber 26 and the flow connection 52 to the consumer is typically less than 0.5 m³. In particular, a capacity of the gas chamber 26 of less than 0.1 m³ is sufficient to supply an internal combustion engine 51 with a maximum output power of 50 kW “on demand” with the requisite fuel, in particular with a hydrogen/oxygen mixture. This is a major safety feature because the quantity of ignitable gaseous hydrogen present inside the electrolytic reaction system 1 is relatively small. The risks incurred by this electrolytic reaction system 1 are therefore relatively low and the potential for danger can easily be addressed and mastered. In particular, the specified electrolytic reaction system 1 can be easily inspected with a view to meeting stringent safety requirements. This is due above all to the “on demand” supply or requisite availability of the hydrogen gas or hydrogen-oxygen mixture required in each case. However, this requires a high degree of efficiency and power and reaction capacity, all of which are provided by the specified reaction system 1. In particular, a sufficient quantity or sufficient volume of hydrogen gas can be generated after a relatively short warm-up or nm-up phase of the electrolytic reaction system 1 to start, continuously run and supply a consumer with an output power of 50 kW or more, The volume needed to mount the electrolytic reaction system 1, in particular the reaction chamber 2, is less than 0.5 m³, in particular less than 0.25 m³, typically only approximately 0.02 m³.

As defined in the claims, the electrode arrangement 3 comprises several electrode plates extending in a star-shaped arrangement or at least one bundle of tubular electrodes coaxially nested one inside the other. This enables optimum electrolysis performance to be obtained.

However, it would also be conceivable to produce similar actions or effects with other electrode arrangements known from the prior art, for example with a cascaded or serial arrangement of plate-shaped electrodes, so that the claimed electrode arrangements need not necessarily be the ones used. In particular, only relatively low impairment of performance and efficiency can be anticipated if using electrode arrangements of different types.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the at least one electromagnetic coil 13 which can advantageously be used with the electrolytic reaction system 1 in the manner explained above. This embodiment of the electromagnetic coil 13 can therefore be used in combination with the features described above to obtain an advantageous electrolytic reaction system 1. In the sections below, the same reference numbers and component names are used as those used for the previous drawings. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference may be made to the detailed description of the drawings given above.

The schematically illustrated electromagnetic coil 13 represents an alternative to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 and, in keeping with the explanations given with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, is preferably disposed above and/or underneath a star-shaped or tubular electrode arrangement 3 so that its electromagnetics field acts on the electrolyte on the one hand and on the electrode arrangement 3 on the other hand when supplied with electrical energy.

The at least one electromagnetic coil 13 provided is essentially torus-shaped or annular and comprises a plurality of part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ electrically connected in series. The individual part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ of the electromagnetic coil 13 extend respectively across a circumferential angle 63 constituting only a fraction of the total ring circumference 64, i.e. a fraction of the 360° angle of the torus-shaped electromagnetic coil 13. The circumferential angle 63 of the individual part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19″ connected in series is typically between 20° and 50°, in particular between 25° and 45°, preferably approximately 30° by reference to the full ring circumference 64 of the coil 13.

The part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ connected in series one after the other in the circumferential direction of the annular coil 13 form a free angle 65 with respect to one another, which corresponds to the winding gaps 20, 20′, 20″, 20′ described above. No electromagnetic coil is disposed within this free angle 65 between directly consecutive part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ and instead there is virtually an empty space without an electromagnetic coil body. This free angle 65 between directly consecutive part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ connected in series is expediently between 10° and 30°, in particular between 15° and 25°, preferably approximately 20°. This free angle 65 or the corresponding winding gap 20, 20′, 20″, 20″ defines zones within the electromagnetic coil 13 in which different electromagnetic conditions prevail than in those zones of the electromagnetic coil 13 where the serially arranged part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ are disposed or positioned one after the other. The gaps without windings defined by the free angle 65 between the individual part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19″ create a diversity within the electromagnetic field which is generated or can be generated by the electromagnetic coil 13, which is conducive to the electrolytic process in the electrolytic reaction system 1.

A particularly effective electromagnetic field is generated or can be generated by the electromagnetic coil 13 if the circumferential angle 63 of the individual part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19″ and the free angle 65 between the individual part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ are selected so that after more than one complete ring circumference, i.e. on exceeding 360° of winding extension, an offset angle 66 is formed between part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19″ wound one on top of the other, in other words, as a result, the part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19″ of the first turn around the annular or torus-shaped coil 13 are offset from the part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ of the second or every other ring of part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ by an offset angle 66. Consequently, the part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ lying one above the other in the circumferential direction of the annular coil 13 are always offset or shifted relative to one another so that there is preferably no 100% overlap between part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ wound one on top of the other.

Based on one practical embodiment, a number of consecutive part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ connected in series is selected so that approximately three full rings are formed, i.e. the part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ connected in series extend approximately across 1080° of the annular or torus-shaped coil 13.

Based on one practical embodiment, the individual part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ are wound in one layer, in which case the part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19″ formed after a complete turn round the ring are wound with the appropriate offset angle 66 but essentially without an air gap across part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ lying underneath or inside.

The electromagnetic coil 13 preferably has no core, in particular does not have an electromagnetically active core. In particular, the electromagnetic coil 13 is provided in the form of an air reactor so that the electromagnetic field generated acts to a high degree on the electrolyte and on the electrode arrangement 3 and thus influences the physical and chemical processes in the electrolytic reaction system 1 to a high degree.

A part-winding 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ comprises a plurality of turns, in particular dozens, hundreds or thousands of turns made from an isolated conductor, in particular a copper wire isolated by means of lacquer. The preferably two-layered, in particular three-layered electromagnetic coil 13 comprising mutually spaced apart part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ serially connected to one another therefore has a first coil terminal 67 and another coil terminal 68, between which the mutually spaced apart part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19″ extend in a circle. Via these coil terminals 67, 68, the electromagnetic coil 13 is connected to the electrical energy source 22, as explained in the earlier parts of the description. Accordingly, a diameter of the outer part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ is bigger than a diameter of the inner part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″ of the annular or torus-shaped electromagnetic coil 13.

Instead of the schematically illustrated electrical connecting bracket between the directly consecutive part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19′″, it would naturally also be possible to wind the individual part-windings 19, 19′, 19″, 19″ without interruption or in one piece, in particular from a one-piece electrical conductor, thereby obviating the need for the connecting bracket disposed in between.

The embodiments illustrated as examples represent possible variants of the electrolytic reaction system 1, and it should be pointed out at this stage that the invention is not specifically limited to the variants specifically illustrated, and instead the individual variants may be used in different combinations with one another and these possible variations lie within the reach of the person skilled in this technical field given the disclosed technical teaching. Accordingly, all conceivable variants which can be obtained by combining individual details of the variants described and illustrated are possible and fall within the scope of the invention.

For the sake of good order, finally, it should be pointed out that, in order to provide a clearer understanding of the structure of the electrolytic reaction system 1, it and its constituent parts are illustrated to a certain extent out of scale and/or on an enlarged scale and/or on a reduced scale.

The objective underlying the independent inventive solutions may be found in the description.

Above all, the individual embodiments of the subject matter illustrated in FIGS. 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6, 7; 8; 9 constitute independent solutions proposed by the invention in their own right. The objectives and associated solutions proposed by the invention may be found in the detailed descriptions of these drawings.

List of reference numbers  1 Reaction system  2 Reaction chamber  3 Electrode arrangement  3′ Electrode arrangement  4 Holding container  5 Electrode (anodic)  6 Electrode (cathodic)  7 Fanning axis  8 Cylinder or vertical axis  9, 9′ Distance 10 Spread angle 11 Gap 12 Radial distance 13 Electromagnetic coil 14 Liquid level (min.) 15 Central or mid-point 16 Mid-plane 17 Coil body 18 Coil winding 19 Part-winding 19′ Part-winding 19″ Part-winding 19′″ Part-winding 20 Winding gap 20′ Winding gap 20″ Winding gap 21 Energy source 22 Energy source 23 Inlet orifice 24 Means (turbulence) 25 Intake and/or outlet nozzles 26 Gas chamber 27 Overflow edge 28 Liquid level (max.) 29 Boundary edge 30 Electrolyte container 31 Cylinder axis 32 Foam 33 Filling level 34 Discharge passage 35 Collection portion 36 Outlet orifice 37 Return line 38 Liquid tank 39 Water container 40 Filter device 41 Electrolyte circuit 42 Liquid pump 43 Cooling device 44 Heat exchanger 45 Intake 46 Discharge 47 Passage orifice 48 Ambient air 49 Regulating means 50 Means (negative pressure generating) 51 Internal combustion engine 52 Connection 53 Fuel intake line 54 Distance 55 Distance 56 Tube axis 57 Gap 58 Gap 59 Wall thickness 60 Wall thickness 61 Slot 62 Slot 63 Circumferential angle 64 Ring circumference 65 Free angle 66 Offset angle 67 Coil terminal 68 Coil terminal 

1. Electrolytic reaction system (1) for generating gaseous hydrogen and oxygen, comprising a reaction chamber (2) for accommodating an electrolyte and an electrode arrangement (3) comprising a plurality of anodic and cathodic electrodes (5, 6), wherein the electrode arrangement (3) is provided in the form of a plurality of plate-shaped electrodes (5, 6) fanned in a star-shaped arrangement, and a virtual fanning axis (7) of the star-shaped electrode arrangement (3) lies at least approximately on a virtual, central cylinder or vertical axis (8) or is congruent with a virtual, central cylinder or vertical axis (8) of the reaction chamber (2), and at least one electromagnetic coil (13) is disposed above and/or underneath the star-shaped electrode arrangement (3) in the direction of the virtual cylinder or vertical axis (8), the electromagnetic field of which acts on the electrolyte and on the electrode arrangement (3) when exposed to electrical energy.
 2. Electrolytic reaction system (1) for generating gaseous hydrogen and oxygen, comprising a reaction chamber (2) for accommodating an electrolyte and an electrode arrangement (3) comprising a plurality of anodic and cathodic electrodes (5, 6), wherein the electrode arrangement (3) is provided in the form of at least two, preferably more than at least three, tubular electrodes (5, 6) disposed coaxially or approximately coaxially one inside the other, and the wall surfaces of the mutually adjacent tubular electrodes (5, 6), which are cylindrical or comprise several prismatic surfaces oriented at an angle to one another are spaced at a distance apart from one another, and at least one electromagnetic coil (13) is disposed above and/or underneath the tubular electrode arrangement (3) in the axial direction of a virtual tube axis (56), the electromagnetic field of which acts on the electrolyte and on the electrode arrangement (3) when exposed to electrical energy.
 3. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, wherein the reaction chamber (2) has an essentially hollow cylindrical or hollow prismatic body shape and its virtual cylinder or vertical axis (8), in particular a wall surface of the reaction chamber (2), is vertically or approximately vertically oriented.
 4. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, wherein the reaction chamber (2) comprises an essentially hollow cylindrical or hollow prismatic holding container (4) in which the at least one star-shaped or tubular electrode arrangement (3) is disposed.
 5. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 4, wherein the holding container (4) for the electrolyte and for the at least one electrode arrangement (3) is of an open design at the top end portion and its wall or cylinder surface is spaced apart from internal faces of the reaction chamber (2).
 6. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, wherein the virtual fanning axis (7) of the star-shaped electrode arrangement (3) or the virtual tube axis (56) of the tubular electrode arrangement (3) lies essentially on the virtual cylinder or vertical axis (8) or is congruent with the virtual cylinder or vertical axis (8) of the holding container (4) or reaction chamber (2).
 7. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one electrode arrangement (3) is completely submersed in the electrolyte and the at least one electromagnetic coil (13) is likewise submersed below a regular or minimum liquid level (14) for the electrolyte or is at least predominantly submersed in the electrolyte.
 8. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic field of the at least one electromagnetic coil (13) causes the anodic and cathodic electrodes (5, 6) to mechanically vibrate so as to assist the process of detaching gas bubbles which occur or are adhered to the anodic and cathodic electrodes (5, 6).
 9. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one electromagnetic coil (13) is essentially annular as seen in plan view and its central or mid-point (15) lies on or close to the virtual fanning axis (7) or the virtual tube axis (8) of the electrode arrangement (3).
 10. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 9, wherein the electromagnetic coil (13) is torus-shaped and at least one coil winding (18) has preferably at least two, in particular four, part-windings (19, 19′, 19″, 19′″) wound around the circumference of a coil body (17) distributed respectively at a distance apart from one another.
 11. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 10, wherein three coil windings (18, 18′, 18′″) are provided, wound one on top of the other offset from the coil axis by 45° respectively.
 12. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, wherein a first electrical energy source (21) is provided for supplying the anodic and cathodic electrodes (5, 6) with a pulsating energy supply.
 13. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, wherein another electrical energy source (22) is provided for supplying the at least one electromagnetic coil (13) with a pulsating energy supply.
 14. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, wherein an energy frequency of a first energy source (21) supplying energy to the anodic and cathodic electrodes (5, 6) and an energy frequency of a second energy source (22) supplying energy to the at least one electromagnetic coil (13) are selected so that the electrolytic system operates close to or at its resonance frequency at least some of the time.
 15. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, wherein at least one inlet orifice (23) is provided in the bottom portion of the reaction chamber (2) or a holding container (4) accommodating the electrolyte for feeding in and/or topping up the electrolyte.
 16. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, wherein at least one means (24) for creating turbulence in the electrolyte, in particular for generating a flow, for example a turbulent or swirling flow, in the electrolyte, is provided in the reaction chamber (2) or in a holding container (4) accommodating the electrolyte.
 17. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 16, wherein the means (24) for creating turbulence is provided in the form of at least one intake and/or outlet nozzle (25), preferably in the form of a plurality of intake and/or outlet nozzles (25) for the electrolyte leading into the reaction chamber (2) or into the holding container (4) for the electrolyte.
 18. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 16, wherein the means (24) for creating turbulence in the electrolyte is provided in the form of at least one agitator.
 19. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, wherein at least one overflow edge (27) is provided n the reaction chamber (2) for limiting or fixing a maximum liquid level (28) of the electrolyte.
 20. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 19, wherein the at least one overflow edge (27) for the electrolyte is formed by a top boundary edge (29) of a container (4), in particular a hollow cylindrical electrolyte container (30) with a vertically oriented cylinder axis (31).
 21. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 19, wherein at least one outlet orifice (36) is provided in the base portion of the reaction chamber (2) for draining electrolyte or electrolyte foam flowing over the overflow edge (27) out of the reaction chamber (2).
 22. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 19, comprising a return line into the holding container (4), in particular into the hollow cylindrical electrolyte container (30) (37), for electrolyte that has flowed over the overflow edge (27).
 23. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 19, further comprising the provision of a collection portion (35) for electrolyte flowing over the overflow edge (27) inside the reaction chamber (2) or inside a return line (37) for the electrolyte leading into the reaction chamber (2) to form a gas closure, in particular a siphon-type gas barrier for the hydrogen and oxygen generated.
 24. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, further comprising a continuous or discontinuous intake (45) and discharge (46) of the electrolyte, in particular a time-based gradual replacement of the electrolyte containing water or comprising water in the reaction chamber (2) or in a holding container (4) accommodating the electrolyte.
 25. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, wherein at least one passage orifice (47), in particular a plurality of passage orifices (47) disposed in distributed arrangement is provided in the base or wall portion of the reaction chamber (2), in particular a holding container (4) for the electrolyte, as a means of blowing ambient air (48) and/or gaseous nitrogen into the reaction chamber (2), in particular into a holding container (4) for the electrolyte.
 26. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one means (50) for generating negative pressure in the reaction chamber (2) that is below the atmospheric ambient pressure.
 27. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, wherein negative pressure is generated in the reaction chamber (2) by establishing a flow connection (52) between the reaction chamber (2), in particular its gas chamber (26), to a fuel intake line (53), in particular the intake system, of an internal combustion engine (51), in particular a petrol, gas or diesel engine.
 28. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 2, wherein the virtual tube axis (56) of the tubular electrodes (5, 6) is vertically oriented.
 29. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 2, wherein the distal end portions of the tubular electrodes (5, 6) are of an open design in each case.
 30. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 2, wherein at least one at least approximately hollow cylindrical or prismatic gap (57, 58) is provided between the wall or cylinder surfaces of the tubular electrodes (5, 6), by means of which the process of releasing gas bubbles from the electrolyte which occur or adhere to the anodic and cathodic electrodes (5, 6) to a gas chamber (26) lying above the electrolyte is assisted.
 31. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 2, wherein a distance (54, 55) or a gap dimension between the tubular or hollow prismatic, mutually nested electrodes (5, 6) of an outer pair of electrodes 5, 6 increases or become larger in size than an electrode (5, 6) or a pair of electrodes (5, 6) of this tubular electrode arrangement (3) disposed further inwards; in particular closer to a central tube axis (56).
 32. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 2, wherein a stiffness, in particular a wall thickness, of the tubular or hollow prismatic electrodes (5, 6) is dimensioned so that the electromagnetic field of the at least one coil (13) causes mechanical vibrations to be induced.
 33. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, wherein at least one plate-shaped electrode (5, 6) or at least one tubular or hollow prismatic electrode (5, 6) of the electrode arrangement (3) has at least one slot (61, 62) or another mechanical weakening or reduction in stiffness so as to induce more intense vibrations under the influence of the electromagnetic field of the at least one electromagnetic coil (13).
 34. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one electromagnetic coil (13) is essentially torus-shaped or annular and comprises a plurality of part-windings (19, 19′, 19″, 19′″) electrically connected in series, which extend respectively across a circumferential angle (63) of between 20° and 50°, in particular between 25° and 45°, preferably across approximately 30° of the ring circumference (64) of the coil (13).
 35. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 34, wherein consecutive part-windings (19, 19′, 19″, 19′″) connected in series in the circumferential direction of the annular coil (13) subtend an angle(65) of between 10° and 30°, in particular between 15° and 25°, preferably approximately 20°.
 36. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 34, wherein a number of the consecutive part-windings (19, 19′, 19″, 19′″) connected in series is selected so that approximately three complete circumferential turns are formed across approximately 1080°.
 37. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 34, wherein the circumferential angle (63) of the part-windings (19, 19′, 19″, 19′″) and the angle(65) between the part-windings (19, 19′, 19″, 19′″) is selected so that after more than one complete circumferential turn, an offset angle (66) is formed between part-windings (19, 19′, 19″, 19′″) wound one on top of the other.
 38. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 34, wherein the individual part-windings (19, 19′, 19″, 19′″) are wound in a single-layered arrangement and part-windings (19, 19′, 19″, 19′″) formed after one complete circumferential turn are wound on top of part-windings (19, 19′, 19″, 19′″) lying underneath or lying inwards essentially without any air gap. 